Kevin Gallen grabbed a brace as leaders Rangers cruised to an easy victory.
Gino Padula and Gareth Ainsworth also found the net on a miserable afternoon for Hartlepool, who at least managed a consolation courtesy of Eifion William' second-half goal.
Gallen gave Rangers a deserved 27th minute lead when he headed in strike partner Tony Thorpe's left-wing cross.
An R's goal was on the cards. Martin Rowlands had headed Ainsworth's cross against the bar and Ainsworth himself sent a shot wide of the target.
After Gallen's opener, worse followed for Hartlepool when goalkeeper Jim Provett was caught out by Gino Padula's corner and, in attempting to palm the ball away, succeeded only in helping it into the net.
Gallen then grabbed his second and QPR's third. The in-form striker latched onto Ainsworth's pass and fired the in off the post.
There was no let up from Rangers early in the second half, and a fourth goal followed just six minutes after the restart.
Padula, so effective from set pieces, swung in a free-kick from the left and Ainsworth headed in from close range at the far post.
The impressive Ainsworth caused Pools problems throughout and almost set up a delightful goal when he rode two challenges and fed Thorpe, who found the net, but had his effort ruled out for offside.
Pools finally imposed themselves in the final quarter of the match and Chris Shuker was unlucky to see his left-footed effort beat goalkeeper Nicky Culkin and fly just wide of the far post.
It was Shuker who set up Hartlepool's only bright moment of the day. He crossed from the left and Williams turned the ball in from inside the six-yard box.
Rangers finished strongly and almost grabbed a fifth goal when substitute Paul Furlong drove a left foot shot just wide of the target.